The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday showered encomiums on the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, who he said had played an uplifting and unifying role in the nation “both in symbol and substance.”
In his address at the launch of a book in honour of the First Lady, entitled: “Aisha Buhari: Being Different,” written by Dr. Hajo Sani, Tinubu described Mrs. Buhari as a remarkable woman, and that given her achievements, no one can reasonably question the role of a First Lady any longer.
“She has been a strong pillar of support not only to the president but also to the Nigerian people whom they both serve with such patriotic commitment and high purpose,” he said.
Tinubu said First Lady Aisha Buhari “has done a masterful job melding the calls of tradition and the imperatives of today into a creative, benevolent role that has enriched society and the art of governance.”
“Mrs. Aisha Buhari has truly shown herself to be the First Lady of Nigeria in title but also by virtue of her talent and temperament.
“The role of First Lady provides critical support to the public functioning of the presidency. The author thus must be commended not just for documenting the background, education, career, family and public life of Mrs. Buhari in an enjoyable, easily readable manner but also in narrating the political and constitutional context within which Mrs. Buhari has moulded the position of the First Lady in Nigeria.”
He said the book would be a vital read to future historians and future generations who seek to understand the evolution of the Nigerian presidency as well as for those interested in the progress of women’s rights and empowerment.
The APC National Leader described Mrs. Buhari as a human being of deep convictions and feelings, who has a naturally strong connection with the average person because she speaks with sincerity and belief.
Tinubu said: “We noticed this very early during the historic 2015 campaign. Thus, we convinced her to play a vocal and visible role in that groundbreaking campaign. Her efforts contributed to her husband’s success. She helped him make history during that campaign. Since coming to the office of the First Lady, she has not stopped making history.
“She has been an active and dedicated voice to those whom society sometimes forgets. She gives comfort to the broken and seeks relief for the destitute. No one can doubt her concern. And her care for the wellbeing of women, children and the powerless has established the standard for the office of the First Lady for years to come.”
